Wood Flooring – Types, Advantages and Disadvantages

I discovered the different types of wood, the ways in which you can find the boards or pieces. We also tell you the main characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of these types of wood floors solid.

Advantages of wooden floors

Wood has the property of transmitting warmth to cold and impersonal places.

Hardwood floors are durable and have stood the test of time. Homes that are over 100 years old can still have the original flooring if they have been properly cared for.

They just need to sweep or vacuuming and a occasional cleaning with a wood floor cleaner.

Wood floors work with all decorating styles, from traditional to modern.

Disadvantage of hardwood floors

Solid wood floors are a expensive option. It also needs to be installed over the subfloor and installation is a bigger job than most homeowners can handle.

Although treated wood is very resistant, it is not recommended to constantly expose it to moisture and water.

Wood floors need constant maintenance and care, the softer the wood, the easier it will scratch and stain. Wood floors in high traffic areas, especially when there are pets or children, will be prone to showing damage.

Types of wood floors

Floor of Parquet

Small and short boards that are embedded in different designs. They can be nailed or glued to the folder with special adhesives or tar.

Floor Planked short

Short boards that are arranged in parallel. There are them in different lengths and widths. They are generally used with a width of 8 to 9 cm. and up to 1 mt. long. They can be nailed, glued, or glued to the folder with special adhesives or tar.

Long planked floor

Long wooden boards, placed in parallel. Like planks, they can be glued, embedded or nailed.

Types of Wood for Floors

Hard woods are used to make floors to guarantee their resistance and durability. Oak and Eucalyptus stand out.

Eucalyptus

Very light yellowish color. Acceptable hardness. It is very little disturbed by sunlight.

Guatambú

Light yellow with very little grain. Medium hard and is hardly affected by sunlight.

Elliotis Pine

After a process in which it is impregnated with certain products that make it resistant to moisture, fungi and insects, this wood is ideal for exteriors.

Pinotea

It is clear with darker streaks. It is very resistant, although nowadays it is very difficult to obtain, the demolition ones are generally used.

Oak

Light in color slightly pink. High resistance It darkens slightly in sunlight.

Brazilian pinotea

Wood similar to tea pine. Medium hard and very resinous, which makes it waterproof. It can be placed outdoors.

Teak

Yellowish brown in color with a glossy finish, as if it had been waxed. It is a very hard and resistant wood.

Veered

Light reddish brown in color. It tolerates wear thanks to its high degree of hardness, ideal for high traffic floors. Sunlight obscures it. It is used on decks and exterior floors because it resists the elements well.

Wood protection methods

Polished

Once laid, the floor should always be polished to achieve a perfect finish. This work can be repeated as many times as necessary, also over time, removing previous layers of plasticized or wax.

This option, typical of solid wood floors, guarantees a resistant and durable floor over time, always suitable to be replaced at any time.

Laminated

It is laminated with a layer of oil-based varnish that covers the floor, protecting it and facilitating cleaning. There are different kinds of finishes: matte, semi-matte or glossy.

Lamination achieves a finish that protects it from stains and wear, making it more durable and easy to clean.

Hydrolacqued

It is given a water-based finish that does not have strong odors. The floor can be used 3 or 4 hours after placing the product.

Its useful life is shorter than that of polyurethane varnish, but its effect is that of natural wood.

natural

It is left only with polishing, being able to wax it for a better finish.

Although it is an interesting aesthetic option, we must not forget that it requires a waxed permanent and that its resistance to stains and water is practically nil.

Wood Floor Care

Every season brings new problems for your hardwood floors. Winter comes with snow, ice, and salt, spring brings rain and dirt, summer adds chlorine and salt water, and fall brings more dirt and leaves.

To keep them looking good and clean, you should follow the following tips

Clean up spills immediately: Use a dry or slightly damp cloth to immediately wipe up any spills, avoiding wet or steam mops.

Use furniture pads: Scratches are some of the hardest problems to solve on hardwood floors. While some scratches are unavoidable, others can definitely be prevented. One of the best ways to prevent them is to add furniture pads to the legs of your chairs, sofas, tables, etc.

Sweep or dust daily: Even if you have a rule of not wearing shoes in your home, the dust forms in everywhere and then it is deposited in the grain and between the floorboards.

Use a wood floor cleaner monthly: Use a special wood floor cleaner to bring out the shine.

Reapply finish every 3-5 years: Over time, when your wood floors start to look a bit dull, they can be renewed with a new coat. This involves applying a new coat of wood floor finish.